He was born Oct. 5, 1936, in Canton to Robert Jr. and Irene (Matejewski) Wheeler.

He married Judith Brons on July 19, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Canton.

He is survived by his wife, Judith, as well as his nine children, Robert (Claudia) Wheeler IV of Hilliard, Ohio, and children Matthew, Aaron and Allison; Theresa (Brian) O’Shea of Homewood and children Rachel, Brian, Leah, and Kyle; Steven (Dawn) Wheeler of Naples, Fla., and son Ryan; David (Rachel) Wheeler of Savoy and children Silas, Selah, and Moriah; Mary (David) Mathews of Canton and children Kaitlyn and Elyse; Michael (Carrie) Wheeler of Canton and children Evan, Ella, and Easton; Christine (Dan) Sergison of East Peoria and son Milo; Shellie and Ronnie Wheeler both of Canton; 17 grandchildren; one brother, Ronald (Deana) Wheeler of Canton; and one sister, Iona Smith of Hutsonville.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Elvin Wheeler.

Robert was the owner and operator of Wheeler Trucking.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Canton. He was a volunteer with the St. Mary’s food pantry, South Side Mission and several charitable works.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A visitation will be on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church hall, which is adjacent to the church, with the Funeral Mass following at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 139 East Chestnut St. Canton. Father Daniel Ebker will be the celebrant.

Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, 980 S. Main St., Canton, ending with a funeral brunch at St. Mary’s church hall.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s food pantry c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church.